
Ederland

Ederland, a kingdom shrouded in the dense and ancient forests north of Denoa, is a land of dark beauty and deeper shadows. This realm, once known for its verdant woods and peaceful villages, has fallen under the harsh rule of King Robard Bombadir and his consort, Queen Gizelle Bombadir. Their reign, marked by tyranny and oppression, has transformed Ederland into a place of fear and unrest.
The capital city, Edebrook, is dominated by a colossal castle that looms over the landscape. This fortress serves as the seat of power for the Bombadir dynasty and stands as a stark symbol of their authority. Edebrook is not just a political centre but also a fortress that embodies the might and reach of the royal family, fortified with high walls and surrounded by a network of watchtowers and battlements.
Under the rule of King Robard, the people of Ederland are subjected to exorbitant taxes and harsh laws. The King's policies have stripped the land of its prosperity, leaving the commonfolk impoverished and desperate. The heavy taxation and forced conscription have led to widespread discontent, pushing many to seek refuge in the forests that cover much of the kingdom. These dense woods have become a haven for bandits and outlaws, who often find themselves driven to crime as a means of survival. The forest bandits frequently raid the royal wagons, striking at the heart of the kingdom's supply lines and sowing further discord.
The cruelty of the Bombadirs is not limited to taxation. Queen Gizelle Bombadir, known for her ruthless demeanour, is equally feared and despised. She wields significant influence over the court and is often the architect of the harsh measures imposed upon the populace. Her brothers, Jobba and Radley Catfoot, serve as the primary enforcers of the King’s edicts. The Catfoot brothers are notorious for their brutality and are instrumental in maintaining the Bombadirs' iron grip on Ederland. Their actions have earned them a fearsome reputation; they are known to commit heinous crimes against the people, including forced labor, executions, and arbitrary punishment. Their presence in the kingdom serves as a constant reminder of the dangers of defiance.
Ederland's forests, while offering a refuge for outlaws and the desperate, also hold a deeper cultural significance. The woods are home to ancient groves of the famed Edertree and sacred sites, remnants of the kingdom's rich history and once-vibrant traditions. However, under the Bombadirs, these cultural elements are suppressed, and the kingdom's heritage is increasingly neglected or exploited for the regime's gain.
The kingdom is marked by a stark division between the ruling class and the commonfolk. While the nobility and those loyal to the Bombadirs live in relative comfort within the walls of Edebrook, the majority of Ederland's citizens face hardship and oppression. The disparity has only fuelled the growing unrest and the rise of resistance movements, although such efforts are often brutally suppressed by the royal enforcers.
Ederland, under the Bombadir rule, is a kingdom of contrasts—between the rich and the poor, the powerful and the powerless, the oppressors and the oppressed. It is a land caught in a cycle of fear and resistance, where the lush beauty of its forests belies the harsh realities of its governance. The kingdom stands as a testament to the darker side of power, where the pursuit of control comes at the cost of the people's well-being and freedom. As tensions continue to simmer, Ederland's future remains uncertain, teetering on the edge of change or deeper tyranny.